The Lessons Everyone Should Learn From Working In Retail
Start writing a post
Adulting

The 5 Most Important Things You Learn Working In Retail

Retail and customer service teach you some of the greatest lessons that life has to offer.

93
The 5 Most Important Things You Learn Working In Retail
Laken Pritchard

Back in May, I had been praying to God about the same three things. Every. Single. Night.

"Dear God, please help me find a job. I want to be financially secure. Please guide me to a God-loving, smart, good man who you have created just for me. Please watch over my family throughout their travels and get them safely wherever they may be headed."

God, working in the mysterious ways he does, lead me straight to the greatest job I've ever had (while keeping my family safe): working for American Eagle Outfitters. I had never worked in retail before, but that didn't stop me from applying to my favorite store. After an interview with one of the managers, I was soon directed to filling out paperwork and starting my first day.

After working in retail for a few months, there are five very important things that I have learned during my time there. If you're thinking about applying for a retail job, these things are super important for you to know!

1. You have the power to boost other people's confidence.

Aerie Real Campaign

www.brandchannel.com

Body positivity has definitely grown in the past few years; however, there are still some people--male and female--who need a little boost in confidence, knowing that regardless of their size, they still look amazing!

2. Not everyone is entitled.

cdn.pixabay.com

Yes, there are people who demand to be treated like royalty when entering a store, such as American Eagle... but there are good people out there. Just yesterday, I had a man kindly pay for a group of teenage girls who didn't have the right credit card. Good people are everywhere.

3. Your coworkers will turn into some of your greatest friends.

cdn.pixabay.com

I am not even close to being the most approachable person on the planet, but for whatever reason, my coworkers constantly tell me how much they love me--both in and outside of work.

4. Everyone has their own style, but it's our job to take it to the next level.

cdn.pixabay.com

Obviously, no one in the world is the same. There are different body shapes, tastes, personalities, etc. As a stylist (because, in actuality, that's what you are) it is your job not to change that person's style but to enhance it to where they feel that they are their best selves.

5. Positive reinforcement is AMAZING.

s.yimg.com

When you have a customer thank you for your help, chat with you about random things, or even say they'll be back because of you is an incredibly uplifting experience. When your managers recognize all of your hard work, giving you positive feedback and literally hyping you up, you know you're in the right place.

While it may have taken nearly a thousand prayers to get me to where I am today, it's safe to say that I'm exactly where I am supposed to be.

Working in retail definitely has its moments, but nothing beats learning these five, incredibly important life lessons.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

604
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
woman in white tank top and orange jacket holding a bible
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Life is hard. There is no surprise there. It’s confusing and scary and hectic, but there are some amazing qualities, too. Sometimes you feel alone and don’t know what to do. School gets in the way of what you want to do or you’re dropping friends you thought you trusted. Everyone has their moments. Everyone has felt in the lowest place and couldn’t find the strength to get back up. But I want to help with that. Here are 10 Bible verses I hope will brighten your day, or at least make you feel stronger and happier.

Keep Reading...Show less
Buddy The Elf Attacked by Raccoon
jarviscity.com

Finals, the time we all dread. Amidst trying to juggle a social life, lack of sleep, exams, essays, and classes, it can be more than overwhelming to juggle this crazy season of life. Thankfully, Elf gets it. Here's 15 feels of finals week before winter break, as told by Buddy the Elf:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Pros And Cons Of Autumn

Navigating the Season's Upsides and Downsides

10860
concrete road among autumn forest with bright orange leaves

Personally, Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. The air is crisp but not too cold, there is so much to do, and you're not collapsing from the heat. I asked some friends and family what their favorite and least favorite parts of Fall. Below is the list I put together:

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Reasons Why The Arts Are Important In Our Lives

The arts have helped me a lot, they will help millions of other people, too.

216252
Two person standing on gray tile paving that says 'Passion Led Us Here' written.
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

I have always heard sayings like "Why study art? Why not Engineering, Science or Commerce?", "Art won't get you anywhere," "Art is useless," "You won't get a proper job" etc. I have also heard of situations of the school board planning to cut arts in schools, thinking that students won't do well in their education. Well, you know what, you all are wrong! Arts make a huge impact on our lives! Here are the reasons why art is Important.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments